GRAF Hockey - What really happened to GRAF & Where are they today ?
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- čas přidán 14. 02. 2024
- What happened to GRAF Hockey? In this mini documentary video, we go behind the scenes to speak directly with the GRAF family in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland to find out what really happened.
Chapter Marker:
How GRAF came to be 00:17
GRAF Brand history 04:01
Blades and distribution 05:53
What happened to GRAF 09:52
Future of the brand 12:47
How they came back 14:23
Where did GRAF go 15:55
How can anyone get GRAF 17:13
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This video needs to be pushed hard to every social media platform, by everyone who watches it.
Just pinned this comment. Couldn’t agree more! Thank you !
Why?
@@StillAliveAndKicking_ Why? Because if you want to go for a product because the marketing budget was big, by all means do that. If you want something that's quality, look for people who have this kind of passion about their product.
Best skates ever.
I wear 703 Supra Light. The best boots I have ever worn and I have been playing for 51 years. I'd love to be a representative for this quality hockey product in the USA. I live just 40 minutes north of Detroit, Mi.
I've never used a pair of Grafs myself. But my youngest brother adored them. When he passed away 12 years ago at the age of 49. One of the things I took to remember him by, was his pair of Graf 703s. I still own those 703s and am reminded of my brother, everytime I look at them. I can't help but get emotional as I watch this video.
After watching this man talk....you just so hope they can make a big comeback
I know some people who'd be on board!
i am 71 and play 2 times per week or more and have had my graf 727's since the early 90's. Best skate I have ever had, no break in and still in great shape. Love them.
I spend at least 15hrs a week in my Graf skates. I’ve had them for over 10 years and they’re just as great now as they were the day I put them on. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
I couldn’t believe what I was watching. I didn’t realize it was GRAF Canada that had closed not GRAF. No wonder I now see the skates back on shelves here in Toronto. We need to continue to get this message out. I would have purchased GRAFs two years ago if I knew it was still in business. Instead I’ve got Jet Speeds that are okay, but not what I really really wanted. I will definitely get my eldest son to try them on this summer in prep for next winter.
I must admit the selection of skates on offer by other manufacturers here in Canada still can’t compete in quality vs. GRAF.
Let’s go GRAF!
As a kid growing up in the Graf era, I appreciate this deep dive into a company that dominated AAA hockey in Ontario for many years. Good job Chris. This is the kind of content that will set you apart from other tubers
In Montreal Canada you can buy GRAF at l'Artiste du Patin in Brossard. They have the full offering and their service is excellent.
By far the lightest and highest quality skate through the 90s and early 200s. Would love a comeback. There is a need for the quality and value of Grafs
I bought a pair of 703 back in 2001. Still play hockey with them today. I can't imagine putting anything else on my foot to step on the ice. Thank you Graf for your amazing product! You have a life time user here. Thanks for your commitment to the product and the enduser. Cheers to you and your amazing skates!
I'm the same!!
I would much rather support a family run business over a huge multi billion dollar business any day of the week! Go GRAF Go. 😊
Amen! I always try to support local, smaller businesses. This is especially true when the quality is better! The planned obsolescence of some of the big companies drives me crazy.
I live in Chicago, and bought a pair of Graf skates at Total Hockey (now Pure Hockey) about 25 years ago. They were great skates and I used them until I no longer could. A few years back, when I went looking for a new pair, no one in the Chicago area carried Graf anymore. I'm older now, and don't play as often, but I would buy a new pair of Graf skates in an instant.
Thank you for showing us how GRAF boots are made from inside the factory. I'm convinced, I'm going GRAF.
As a recreational hockey player for the last 30 years in Ontario, I have tried Bauer, CCMs, and was never been comfortable with them. When I found Graf now 20 years ago, I cannot use any other. Started with the 703, and 3 pairs of the Ultra G9035, so happy with my Grafs. I would just purchase them just to have them. I love Grafs and when Graf left Canada, it was sad. If I ever visit the Graf factory, I will buy several pairs just to have them as souvenirs.
I am a little older but had Bauer, CCM and Langes - this was back with metal blades - I could never get skates that did not hurt my feet
I grew up in Canada with a new pair of Bauers every year. In my 30s in 2000 I bought myself a very expensive pair of Grafs. To this day they are hands down the best skates I have ever experienced. I gave them to my now adult son this winter as my hockey days are over and those vintage Graf skates are the envy of everyone that sees them. They seem indestructible with unparalleled comfort. Great product and great company. I hope they come back for young people get the most from hockey.
Very well said. Thank you for sharing! While I didn't have any Graf to hand down, I've had my son fall in love with Graf and Eagle. Most of his peers (Squirts, currently, but plays with everyone on up to USPHL players) have no idea about his gear. Some of the old timers, though, love his gear!
Never got a chance to buy Grafs but they always had a sense of allure and esteem to them for me. All my old coaches wore them in the late 80s through the late 90s from what I remember, everything they did had a wow factor! Great video and glad to see Graf hasn’t sold out like the others with Chinese made crap!
It's time we start supporting these kinds of companies. It's so important. We've all allowed ourselves to get used to the big box Chinese crap. It's truly hurting the hockey world and community.
I’m in Montreal, 35 years old, and those skates were the best to use back in the days
L'artiste du patin sur tashereau tiennent encore la gamme complète de GRAF, le service est excellent.
Powerful tribute to quality and people.. I am in your corner as a fan and soon to be customer. I remember seeing this line when we travelled to Finland in 1983 when I was with the Oakville Midget AAA Rangers. One of our players bought these skates when we over in Helsinki. He never stopped raving about how beautiful these skates were for him when he played.
The logo alone is so iconic. I miss seeing it plastered around in pro shops.
God damn. Who edited this? Top level documentary
This skate brand always had such incredible loyalty from the guys that wore them. I owned a skate shop for a while and when it comes to pure quality of craftsmanship, you just couldn’t beat Graf. I hope they make it back!
I bought a pair of Graf skates 26 years ago, and I still skate that same pair. I love my skates so much.
My son's 3rd pair of skates were Graf, and he LOVED them. He refused to move on even though the Achilles straps were coming apart, and his feet were crammed in there. We finally got him to try something else, but he begged for another pair of Graf. I bought him one last pair for him to grow into. I love that my 10-year-old son loves the classics!
Graf have always made a far superior skate product to the rest of the competition. It's sad to see how they were treated and I miss having them here in Calgary. I have two pairs of the 9035 goalie skates purchased very cheap as a result of the factory closure and couldn't be happier. They are my 4th and 5th pair of Graf skates.
As a kid I remember that Graf skates were considered the best, and built for the player. Hope the brand continues into the future.
Great video! Graf skates have been in my bag for a very long time. My 707’s (with a black TUUK+ of course) were with me in high school and travel and my 735’s were my beer league boots until the ice rink closed. I put some Mission runners on the 735’s and used them in roller until they finally just couldn’t take any more playing. If/when ice comes back I look forward to having that yellow triangle with the black G in my bag again. Thank you Graf family.
I know people who wear grafs. I wore grafs back in the early 90s with great pride, they were great skates back in the day. These days I really like to try on the skates before I buy them and there's nobody locally who carries them.
Love my Graf skates. I'm happy you shared the story of the Graf family and company.
Wow, thank you for sharing your story Mr. Graf! And thank you Marco Di Nardo for reviving the company.
I'm in Montreal Canada, and still playing hockey with my Graf G75.
I will be due soon for new skates, so looking forward to seeing what's available on the market here in Montreal!
Thanks to Hockey tutorial for sharing this video.
L'artiste du patin sur tashereau tiennent la game complète de GRAF et le service est excellent.
Merci pour cette info. @@bobgomez9249
Glad to hear that they are still continuing! Have been using Graf since I started to officiate. Never thought about changing to another brand. In 2020 I heard a rumour that they were going out of business so I bought an additional pair to make sure I could skate another 1000 games with Graf. Due to the high quality I guess I will be buying my next and last pair around 2035.
They are such a classic, sleepy and adorable little company. I sold my custom Grafs years ago as I quit hockey, one of the biggest mistakes I ever made.
I've had 3 pairs of Graf skates. Have loved every pair. I wanted to have skates different from everyone else. Graf's quality, fit and performance was always top notch. As long as they make skates and I have the ability, I will buy them.
Beautifully made . Emotional viewing too . Be great to see The kids in graf hockey gear - On and off Ice !
Graf's were big back in the 90's and early 2000's. After watching this video, my next pair of skates will be Graf's. Happy to see you guys are still around.
Thank you for up-date. I will be 68 in mars . Started playing hockey in 1963. Skated with CCM, Daoust, Lange , Micron ,Tacks and since 2006 I have been using Graf skates and have had them repaired countless times 5 or sets of blades. By fat the best product in the history of hockey.
Thank you for sharing. The last time I needed skates, I kept my Graf 605's and got blades and hangers. My boots are almost worn out and just assumed they were gone (in Canada). Been using since, geesh, 1985'ish ... yeah, shows my age but have only used Graf since. Nothing fit's my foot like a 'EE' Graf. Nice to know even at my 'ol timers age, I can still get a Graf boot. Love to hear the family biz is still going.
Thanks for making this video! I have never tried Graf skates, but I would love to! I love the fact that they are still around and I hope some NHL players will start to use Grafs and help the brand grow again. I had Jofa skates as a kid growing up in Sweden, so perhaps they were actually made by Graf? Great video either way! Love to see small family owned companies that are still around in this crazy corporate world.
For years I wanted to try Graf. Ultimately I got fitted into 705. The skates hurt my feet for 2 years and then ultimately my local shop owner who I'm friends with offered me a deal to get me out of them and into Bauers that wouldn't hurt my feet. I think what let the company down ultimately was that need for a knowledgeable person to sell the skate versus the education on the product. Not to say that you don't need to know what you're doing to sell Bauer but Graf is very niche. I wish them all the best. For my friends who still miss their skates from GRAF I certainly hope that they come back. I can think of at least three people a regularly play with who would buy them the day they were released.
I have worn Graf skates for decades. Showing my age. Fit, durability, performance. Hard to ask for more. Still wearing them.with my grand children now.
I work in a hockey pro shop in Germany that sells Graf skates. They account for roughly 20% of our skate sales, but mostly in the entry-level sector. Graf skates are extremely popular for people looking for a comfortable skate at a reasonable price. I think it will be tough for them to get back into the pro/elite level market unless they really revolutionize their materials and design. I’ve always loved Graf skates (my current skates are an almost 20 year-old elite pair from the US, and my now-adult daughter grew up wearing Grafs), but Bauer, CCM, and now True have leapt so far ahead in terms of materials, options, moldability and technology, that Graf will have a hard time catching back up. But I’d love to be proven wrong.
Yes these other brands did push forward in 2000's when more special plastic and later more carbon fiber came on the other brands to now where Graf is no longer used except by rec league players and rental shops for rec skating but is nice seeing brand making more modern skates now in last few years.
I think the best example of it being possible is looking at True.
They basically became a mainstay in the market over 5 years and 3-4 versions of their skates.
Incredible video! Really love hearing the stories of companies, so fascinating to learn about their histories
So wonderful to see the history and know that Graf is still going strong. Thank you, Graf, for all that you've done over the years to make the best hockey skate there is. I love my Grafs. Wouldn't skate on anything else.
Graf G7’s, the greatest skates I have ever played in! Nothing even comes close. I thought Graf was gone, so this video makes me extremely happy. I will happily buy Grafs again as my next pair of skates.
Love that this is a family run company!
I’ve had two pairs of Grafs over 25 yrs and they have been easily the best pair of skates I’ve ever owned. First one was an original 707 and 2nd was the G7. So glad you are able to still buy Graf skates. Hopefully they will make a comeback.
Great video! Thank you for sharing the story of Graf. Love and happy that I own a pair
Thanks for this, good luck and I will keep tabs on your continued success!
Top quality production and information once again. Keep up the good work. Your contribution to the hockey world is unmatched.
Bring Graf back to Canada please. I need another pair with tblades. They are amazing skates
They are in production in Canada right now. Just tried to pair on yesterday in Ontario.
I still have my 609s with t blades. Can sleep in those things they’re so light.
Production is different. For example Ultra G7 is not offered in north america @@mikeva4127
@@mikeva4127 Where was the location? Vaughn in London?
I’ve been playing both inline and ice hockey since I was 12. I’m almost 44 now and the only skate I will wear is Graf. I’ve tried all the rest and nothing compares to Graf.
I’m currently in the process to source and import a pair!
I loved this documentary and I truly hope that Graf will make a comeback.
Love reading this ! ❤️
Grafs are simply the best. You can tell the difference when you own a pair that they’re handmade with precision and not from a Chinese factory. I drove 3 hours once to a goalie shop in Pennsylvania to buy my last pair. Hopefully we’ll see more grafs available soon. 🎉
I grew up playing hockey in Melbourne Australia. I loved my Graf skates, as a defenceman they had the extra protection that I appreciated. I miss them.
There will always be a market here in Canada for Graf. A classic series and inovation series.
Great video. We get a better understanding what was, what is and where it will be. Some custom Graf would be SweET!
Thank you from Manitoba!
I am the proud owner of a pair of Graf Ultra G7 skates. Had them for over a decade. They are the best skates I've ever owned. On the ice at least 2-3 times a week. Man I wish I could get my hands on a new pair 😢
What a great video !! I do have to admit that I'm not a Graf user or real fan. However, I do appreciate and respect brands that design, engineer and make 100 % their own products in their own country
GREAT VIDEO! Legendary company and was definitely worth the watch to hear about them and their history. Thanks for this!
I bought a pair of insanely expensive Grafs back in 99/2000. A quarter century later I still skate on them. I’ve only had to replace the blade holder and laces.
Great story. I recall Graf skates back when I played. They were beyond my budget. Something to dream about.
Omg.... I sooooo hope this company makes it back... They need to be Heavily supported!! We cannot let these Artisan types companies go away!!!!
I played my last few games on Grafs in the late 90's, had to borrow them from an injured teammate as one blade of my own skates broke and I was planning to stop playing hockey a few weeks later. Just sad to see (at that time) brands like Nike and Reebok entering the game of hockey, without any hockey history like Graf, CCM and Bauer, throwing money at marketing, killing the smaller businesses who have more passion for the game then the big brands do. But you have to keep up with the trends of business like social media and having your own online webstore. Many brands like Nokia and BlackBerry have died because the were late with adjusting to the latest developments and trends. I hope Graf can keep their heads above water, would be sad to see an iconic brand go under.
When I was growing up in the 90s, Graf owned the market in Minnesota and Michigan. Two of the biggest states for hockey. You rarely, if ever saw them on the secondary market because they were made to last a lifetime so guys I know had them from HS, juniors, college and regularly into their pro careers and then playing post professional careers in beer keagues.
The boots would last forever with minimal upkeep ro the various runners and blades which guys would continually upgrade.
We'd sit and marvel at the craftsmanship of those skates, even after 20-30 years of use. And ket me tell you, Graf guys were the most loyal customers. They'd promote them and get their kids to buy them and get you to buy them.
Far and away the best skates I ever owned. My lasted 18 years but I still have them. Ill never throw them em away.
As always, fantastic video.
Through the ‘80’s I loved CCM Super Tacks, but once I tried Graf 703’s I truly believe I found the best. The materials were top quality, the fit felt custom, and the light weight peerless.
Growing up relatively poor and with a passion for hockey, I always eyed Graf skates with envy. Bauer and CCM were predominant in the NHL, but occasionally you'd see a player wearing Graf skates, which magnified my fascination. They are aesthetically beautiful and look like they would fit like a slipper on my feet. I've never tried on a pair of Graf skates, but for some reason I have it in my head that they would feel as good as they look. I continue to buy lottery tickets.
I wore Graf skates for 20 years, because I thought they were the best skates out there. I paid 400$ for their skates at 15, my biggest purchase ever with my own money at the time. Last time I bought skates, I went with a different brand. I was looking online at their skates then and thought: those models are 15 years old, they're not even trying anymore, they're selling them for top dollar and you can't even get them anywhere. I'm glad to hear their story at last, great video. Best of luck to Graf, I hope they make a comeback and convince me to trust them for my next pair of skates.
Normally I would consider this a heartbreaking story but it sounds like the Graf family is stronger because of it and going to make a HUGE comeback. I can't wait to see it!
Great story of a great company with a fantastic product. I loved Graf Skates as a kid. Keep fighting and building your brand. It will come back bigger and better. Go Swiss!
Growing up in Japan, I saw so many friends wore Graf skates and it was super popular. It’s nice to hear this kind of story because I didn’t know the story behind. I have never used Graf skates but in fact, I use Graf shoulder pads today and it is definitely one of my favorite shoulder pads.
Mr. GRAF, I had a pair of 703 top lights in the mid 90's and they were and are the best pair of skates I had ever owned.
I wear wore a bunch of hockey skates over the course of my 51 years and I currently skate on Graf g7s and without a doubt they are the best skate I've ever skated on
I played with CCM, CCM-Reebok and Daoust...but the best skate I ever had was the GRAF 707. A class appart. No break-in period needed. Take them out of the box, rocker the blades a little bit, put them on and off you go. I really hope they can stay in business. They make top products.
Graf is the best skate I ever owned and wore and still wore the reason I started wearing graf. Jagr he wore then I wanted that skate. 703 to me are the best I have a white pair that is great as well. Graf is the best skates I played hockey since I was 12 and wore different skates but when I got my Grafs. I was hooked on that skate.
I bought my first Graf skates 1996/1997 year in Ontario Canada. I remember searching everywhere for them and finally found my pair in the Durham region. Im 54 yrs old now and never have worn another skate. To me there is nothing like them. More of an extension of my foot then putting on a boot with a blade attached... Its just the feel I get wearing them
Love my Graf's. Great video, and thanks for sharing the story!
I worked for a hockey pro shop in Canada that focussed on Graf in the mid to late 90's. I heated hundreds of pairs in the Graf ovens, punched and stretched so many boots to fit the individual feet, and performed hundreds of blade alignments and heel lifts to work better for specific foot anatomies. It wasn't uncommon to spend a couple of hours fitting a player with a pair of skates, and, as such, players travelled from far away for that level of service.
They were far ahead of the other major companies at the time (CCM and Bauer) when it came to customization and light weight performance. The lack of fabric on the toe caps allowed for additional stretching and punching without blowing off the fabric, the slots in the blade holders (which were screwed on instead of being riveted on) allowed for small tweaks to the blade alignment without drilling additional holes. I also toured the factory on Portland avenue in Calgary. I had a pair of 704s for many years. I was sad to hear they shut down, especially after weathering so many challenges from brands like Nike, Mission, Fly etc.
So glad to hear Graf is making a “comeback”. There is no skate that compares with the comfort and quality. After watching the video I now know why.
Once you try on a pair you will never go back!
Great video, thanks! Makes me want to buy a pair! Love that Graf is a family business. Had no idea the history of the company.
I started with a pair of 703 from Professional Skate in Calgary back in 1986 and have not looked back since. Over the years when Graf's were difficult to get here in the US I have tried other brands for a season but have always come back to Graf. I currently have the G755 Pro and have said when those skates finally give up the ghost, if I can't get another pair of Graf's in the US, I will have to retire from hockey. Thank you Graf for creating an amazing product!
Great video. This stirs up fond memories of 703s I had back when I played pickup hockey.
I aged out of minor hockey before Graf skates became popular in my area. I haven’t skated for yrs after that. Now that my daughter is playing hockey I started to play and coach. I’ve always wanted a pair of Graf skates but never got that chance. I don’t ever see them to even try a pair on. Wish they were available were in from. Awesome video as always
Beautiful. Pulls at your heart a little.
Grew up watching my coach skate in his grafs. Had my first pair of (used!) grafs as a youngster about 25+ years ago. Outgrew em and never forget them. Didnt play for several years and then got a set of supra 605s maybe 11 or 12 years ago. I still get excited every time i look at them. Looking at them right now. I cant think of a product in any other sport that makes me feel the way graf skates do.
I finally got a pair of 705s in 1997 after i was done growing. Still wear them today. I wish they still had the black blade holders.
I had recently purchased a new pair of Grafs. Never knew they were based out of Switzerland! Awesome
Great historical perspective. I just recently acquired a new pair of Graf cowlingless goalie skates. Super stiff, high quality. Hopefully, Vaughn hockey will help to bring back the Graf brand and qualities.
Excellent Video, thank you Mr Graf for the love you have put in your skates. I first found out about Graf when John Veciarelli ( I probably misspelled..? ) came back to Ontario from playing in Europe with a pair, they were way ahead of CCM & Bauer at the time. I bought a pr of 706's which I'm quite certain were made in Calgary. I don't remember the year I bought them but probably 20 years ago. 4 years ago I put new blades & holders on the boot at Brian's- Windsor,ON. They told me the boot was still in very good condition at that time. This past October I bought a new pr of Bauer Vapor's, had them heat molded, but absolutely couldn't adjust to skating in them vis a vis my Graf's, so I'm still skating in my Graf's but they really need replacing now. I am so happy the Google AI connected my search for Graf's in the search bar to this video. I'm going on the website. This Brand, with the heart & soul exhibited from the family in this video can be reborn and find a place in the marketplace. Thanks & best wishes Marco.
Been buying CCM "Tacks" since the early '70s but Graf skates have always caught my interest even tho I never tried a pair on. A few weeks ago I found a pair of G75 Ultra lites NOS(made in 08/05/2022) at Just Hockey Toronto for $299! They were very comfortable out of the box but after getting them "baked" I was sold. Best fitting skates I've ever owned with little to no break-in. Not only do they look great but they're built great too! I now understand the loyalty to the Graf brand and their die heart Customers.
I hope the Company gets back some of its old glory and I believe there's still a market for traditional/classic looking skates mixed with modern materials and performance.
Love the video and Mr Graf's life long commitment to the family business......
A beautiful but very sad story, thank you 👏🇨🇦
This literally dropped the day after I replaced my 17yr old Grafs.
Got them Sophomore year of High School playing on 2 HS teams and 1 AAA travel team.
The fact that they lasted this long is amazing. They were so comfortable, and light for their time.
I unfortunately had to replace with Bauer because I could not find a pair of Grafs to try on.
Bauer is more uncomfortable and has a different foot pitch, but I’ll get used to it.
Best of luck to Graf, maybe my next pair I’ll go back.
I am from Finland. Use to play hockey from 4 years old to 16 years old. I had many different skates but Graf was easily the best. I really hope that they get back to their feet. Hopefully Swiss NHL players starts wear Graf skates more or something 💪🏼
Definitely a very well known name in the hockey community. Be great to see it back on the ice for sure.
I love my Graf skates, glad you are still in the game. Did wonder what happened. NHL players need to come to the table.
Always wanted Grafs growing up, finally got a pair as an adult and they are a great skate. I was bummed at the time to learn that Graf was not doing well.
Love my Grafs, been using them for 20yrs. Can’t imagine ever using another brand.
I was in 703’s for 13 years. Absolutely loved them. And I was heartbroken when they finally had to be retired.
It would be good for all hockey players if GRAF can rise again from the ashes and be a serious consideration for high level hockey players again.
We have bought Graff 703's in the past here in Canada in the 90's. While all the other kids on the hockey teams had CCM's, Bauers or Nikes, my sons had Graffs and they never suffered fatigue in when playing. The skates were always comfortable and were on the ice for practices and games 5-6 days a week in competitive hockey. NEVER EVER wore out ! Other skates were literally shredded and disintegrated ! We'll look your company up and get new ones soon. Quality like this is not easy to find anymore. Graff should hire a consultant to help it compete better against the big guys (Nike, CCM) and better market your products.
Graf changed the game in the early 2000's and are responsible for skates fitting better and functioning better today. They were the first company making custom skates. Its a shame they lost their market share, they were a wonderful company to deal with.
Im on my third pair of 703's and have never found something better. Thanks to everyone at Graf for producing a fantastic product.
Great video, hope Graf can make a comeback. I wore their goalie skates exclusively through my time playing college hockey in the US. Absolutely superior skate!
I still have my 727's and brand new 705's! 7 series skates were excellent and last forever, I'm in my 50's and guys I know still are using their Grafs.
My favourite wheels growing up. Would only wear Grafs, will always have a special spot in my heart.